TB-500 is a 43 amino acid long synthetic peptide, analogue of thymosin beta-4. Thymosin beta-4 is a widely distributed peptide, and present in virtually all mammalian cells, which plays a pivotal role in many different processes in the body – it increases angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), proliferation, inhibits apoptosis (cell death) and inflammation.

Numerous animal clinical trials also showed that thymosin beta-4 can be used to indicate myocardial, liver and renal problems. 

Angiogenesis:

Thymosin beta-4 promotes angiogenesis, triggers cell proliferation and migration, as well as the formation of capillary-like structures in cells. It also triggers blood perfusion (local fluid flow) by increasing capillary density.

Apoptosis:

Thymosin beta-4 inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the transforming growth factor pathway. It also prevents nucleus pulposus (spinal disk providing shock absorption during movement) cell apoptosis and slows down cellular aging.

Inflammation:

In mouse models Tβ4 significantly dropped the number of inflammatory cells in the brains of the treated animals. It also prevented the production of proinflammatory cytokines and effectively blocked the increase of ethanol-induced inflammatory factors.

Heart Health:

Clinical data showed that thymosin beta-4 has a positive effect on both acute phase (immediately following the injury) where it preserves the ischemic myocardium, as well as in the chronic phase, in which it activates the growth of vascular cells.

After observing Tβ4’s benefits in animal models, it’s not surprising TB-500 gained so much popularity recently, since it acts as Tβ4’s synthetic analogue. Numerous clinical studies (in animal models) showed TB-500 as a potent way to improve blood vessel growth and fluid flow, accelerate wound healing, reduce oxidative stress and bind protein.

Of course, more research is needed to determine the full effects of this peptide, its safety and effectiveness in human test subjects.

Reference:

Xing Y, Ye Y, Zuo H, Li Y. Progress on the Function and Application of Thymosin β4. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Dec 21;12:767785. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.767785. PMID: 34992578; PMCID: PMC8724243.